8 Best Cheap Waterproof Cameras

Are you an outdoor person who doesn’t leave home without a camera? Wherever you look there’s a photo opportunity: streets, landscapes, you name it. For that reason, you need a camera that can withstand different weather conditions, including rain.

Waterproof cameras are practical because they prevent damage caused by water, and they also allow you to take stunning underwater images, unlike most waterproof camera cases. If you think that waterproof cameras are expensive, this post will prove you wrong. Scroll down to see the best cheap waterproof cameras.

The Campark ACT74 action camera was created explicitly for outdoor people who participate in various activities. Taking action photos isn’t that easy without a proper camera, and that’s exactly what Campark wanted to change. Their ACT74 camera is ideal for surfing, diving, snorkeling, but also for cycling, skiing, baseball, and other activities.

The ACT74 features ultra HD 4K video recording, and it allows users to capture crystal-clear video. Since it’s a 16MP device, your photos will have outstanding clarity as well.

The Campark ACT74 is waterproof up to 98ft or 30m. It is also worth mentioning that this action camera comes with a WiFi remote control and is compatible with iOS and Android systems. Dual rechargeable batteries have a long battery life up to 180 minutes.

If you are looking for a cheap waterproof camera that can still give you a decent quality of photos, then Yisence’s underwater camera is worth taking into consideration. This device is on the cheaper side and the advantages are numerous — including the fact it is compact and lightweight.

The Yisence Waterproof Camera can go 10ft underwater for about an hour per time. In addition to a rear-facing 2.7″ full-color LCD display, this waterproof camera also features front-facing 1.8” full-color LCD display for selfies.

Built-in electronic image stabilization delivers steady and clear pictures. This camera is easy to use and provides quality images above and below the water surface. Bear in mind you’ll need a micro SD card for this device.

Here’s yet another one of the cheap waterproof cameras you may want to buy for your vacation. With Seree’s camera you can take photos up to 10ft or 3m underwater. The digital camera is suitable for snorkeling, swimming, diving, but you can also take it camping. Just like the device mentioned above, the Seree waterproof camera has a dual-screen to make it easier to capture selfies as well.

Due to the fact the Seree Waterproof Camera camera shoots 24.0MP, it delivers decent images and the 1080P capability gives you clear videos. This camera has various features, including continuous shooting, flash, anti-shake, face detection, smile capture, and self-time. This is a good choice for people who are on a tight budget.

Compared to other items on the list Panasonic Lumix waterproof digital camera is more expensive, but it’s a budget-friendly alternative if we bear in mind how pricy these devices can get. The Panasonic Lumix was specifically made for an active lifestyle, and it is waterproof to 26ft or 8m. It’s also useful to mention this waterproof camera is shockproof as well as dust and freezeproof.

The Panasonic Lumix camera features MEGA OIS which automatically compensates for blurring in the images caused by handshake. Additionally, the Lumix camera has an advanced underwater mode with red color reproduction to compensate for the red tones that are easily lost in underwater shooting. That way, users get to capture more natural images.

The Panasonic Lumix waterproof digital camera takes some decent images, but at the same time, there’s more of a learning curve.

Dragon Touch’s action camera is one of the most affordable cheap waterproof cameras you can find. The 4K action camera allows users to capture clear videos, while 16MP photo resolution delivers vivid and bright images. Moreover, the Dragon Touch action camera has a zoom range from 1.0X to 4.0X. Users can easily take this camera on their next water adventure as it is waterproof up to 100ft.

It’s useful to mention that the Dragon Touch action cam features a wireless wrist remote control, but bear in mind that the remote is not waterproof. Users are advised to place the camera in a waterproof case and fasten it securely so they can dive below 30m and take wonderful images.

Various functions are included in Dragon Touch action camera including time-lapse, image rotation, driving mode, loop recording, and slow-motion among others.

Fujifilm is one of the biggest names in the world of photography, so it comes as no wonder we see their device on this list. The Fujifilm FinePix waterproof digital camera is waterproof to 65ft, shockproof to 5.8ft, and freezeproof to 14°F. The FinePix rugged camera is also dustproof and ideal for outdoor adventures.

Additionally, the XP130 comes with an internal 5x optical FUJINON zoom lens (28-144mm) which allows users to zoom right up to the action even when they are underwater. The addition of intelligent digital zoom means that this camera offers double the zoom range (10x) while providing optimal photo processing to counteract the degradation that usually occurs when the zoom is being used.

Some cheap waterproof cameras aren’t friendly for all the colors you can see below the surface. That’s why it’s useful to mention that the FinePix XP130 reproduces colors exactly as they are seen by the human eye.

This camera is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around. While it takes a while to get used to the operation, it gets the job done. Various options and features allow users to tweak settings for the desired quality of photos.

Are you looking for cheap waterproof cameras under $50? Then, the Apeman action camera is a decent choice with some great features. For instance, 1080P and 12MP deliver clear videos and photos.

Compact and lightweight, this camera proves to be a loyal companion during outdoor adventures. Apeman’s action camera is waterproof to 30m, and it comes with accessories that allow users to mount it on their helmet, bicycle, or wherever they want meaning this device is practical above and below the water surface equally.

The HDMI cable allows users to check their recordings on computer and TV. An anti-shaking feature offers fluent video recording. While the 32GB maximum capacity SD card support is enough for some, heavy users may want to consider getting a backup card.

When it comes to photography and cameras, Nikon is the king. Their CoolPix camera is on the higher end of the affordable range, this is still a convenient device to consider. The CoolPix camera is waterproof down to 33ft and shockproof from a 5.9ft drop. Moreover, Nikon’s camera is also freezeproof to 14°F.

This particular model features Snap Bridge with WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth support that combine to give access to various functions, including geolocation tagging, instant image transfer, and others. Nikon CoolPix camera features NIKKOR 3x optical zoom lens that produces sharp images in various situations and environments.

Nikon designed this camera to be used by all members of the family, meaning it’s so simple and easy that even children can take photos on your vacation. This camera is durable and delivers good photos, but there can be an element of blurriness to photos.

Bottom Line on Cheap Waterproof Cameras

Waterproof cameras serve various purposes. They are practical for active people, amateur and professional photographers, and for anyone looking for a useful device they can take on their vacation, snorkeling or diving trip.

When it comes to best cheap waterproof cameras, there are plenty of options to choose from, but to choose the right device pay attention to how deep in the water you can go with the camera, resolution, video quality, anti-shock, and other features.

LUMOID is an online magazine that lives at the intersection of the art of photography and the technology that powers it. Our unbiased reviews, industry news, and opinion pieces are designed to inform and inspire the next generation of great photographers.